I Have A Theory That Cillian Murphy’s Return For 28 Years Later Is More Complicated Than I Thought

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As a seasoned gamer and survivor of countless zombie apocalypses in video games, I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia and anticipation when it comes to the upcoming “28 Years Later”. Having spent countless hours battling hordes of the undead in various digital worlds, I’ve developed a certain sixth sense for these types of situations.

2025 looks set to be an exciting year for moviegoers, with three highly anticipated sequels, one of which is “28 Years Later,” generating considerable buzz. Even if you’re not deeply invested in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s original film or its subsequent franchise, the idea behind it is undeniably intriguing. But if you are a devoted fan of “28 Days Later,” figuring out how Cillian Murphy’s returning character from that movie fits into the story might be particularly captivating. I’ve been pondering this very topic, and I must say, my theory suggests it could be more complex than initially anticipated.

Before we jump into this discussion though, take a look at the 28 Years Later trailer:

Now, let’s transition from days becoming weeks, and then weeks transforming into years. As for the storyline of “28 Years Later” and the reappearance of Jim, this is my interpretation.

How Jim Could Be Returning For 28 Years Later

Considering the sentiment behind “time doesn’t cure anything,” it appears that the passage of years hasn’t been particularly benevolent towards our ex-bike messenger and his companions. In the concluding scene of the original 28 Days Later, Jim, Selena (played by Naomie Harris), and Hannah (Megan Burns) managed to survive in a rural setting. As anticipated, it seemed that the Rage Virus was gradually losing its grip, potentially fading away.

Indeed, before the release of “28 Weeks Later” in 2007, humanity faced yet another challenge. As you’ll discover from the official summary of “28 Years Later”, this desolate world is filled with chaos and turmoil.

Approximately three decades have passed since the Rage Virus leaked from a clandestine biological lab, leading to a strict containment. Some have managed to eke out an existence amidst the infected populace. One such band of survivors inhabit a secluded island, linked to the mainland by a single fortified bridge. When a member of this group embarks on a mission into the heart of the mainland, he uncovers truths, mysteries, and terrors that have altered not only the infected but also other surviving groups.

Despite Jodie Comer’s possible role in “28 Years” yet to be confirmed, it seems plausible that Cillian Murphy’s character, Jim, has evolved into a ruthless warlord. The tranquility experienced by Hannah and Selena was short-lived, as suggested by the Boom Comics miniseries that follow Naomie Harris’ character’s journey, if they are deemed canonical.

In the second, more intense wave of infection in “28 Weeks Later”, the character Jim transforms into a version who’s disillusioned with humanity and eager to restructure the world. Remarkably, hints suggesting this theory can be found sprinkled throughout this fresh teaser trailer.

The 28 Years Later Trailer Has Some Intriguing Teases Hidden In Plain Sight

The information we had about the movie “28 Years Later” has significantly expanded, as we’ve been given a first glimpse at a small group of survivors living on a secluded island. The graffiti and Infected bearing the name “Jimmy” lead me to believe that this is the new identity taken by the survivor from “28 Days Later” during what might be referred to as his period of becoming a kind of bogeyman figure.

Regarding the decomposed figure resembling Cillian Murphy, I believe there’s a plausible reason behind it: it appears to be a decoy similar to a scarecrow. Infected beings don’t typically move as sluggishly as shown when they are active, and they certainly can’t move once they reach such advanced stages of decay, as demonstrated in the film “28 Days Later.” Therefore, it could either be a hallucination stemming from memories of Jim, or an intentional representation meant to instill fear using his likeness.

There’s plenty more we can discuss regarding this theory, and one advantage is that we have a while to wait until “28 Years Later” is released on our screens. The highly anticipated cinematic reunion between Danny Boyle and Alex Garland will grace theaters on June 20, 2025 – only a week before the original movie’s 22nd anniversary in the U.S.

An additional advantage during this extended wait is that you can get ready by watching “28 Weeks Later” on Hulu, as long as your subscription allows it. However, be aware that by the end of this month, that sequel will no longer be available on the platform, thus joining its out-of-print predecessor in an uncertain state.

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2024-12-10 22:37